Empire Covers Blogs and Postings

Here at Empire, we understand it’s difficult to select covers- especially for patio furniture. Patio furniture comes in all shapes, sizes and materials, and it may be overwhelming to select covers that will fit properly. We frequently get asked questions about our patio furniture covers and material, so we created a patio furniture FAQ video to help answer them. If you can’t watch the video, here are all of our FAQs- with answers!

Are Empire Patio Covers waterproof?

Yes, our patio covers are 100% waterproof. In the video, we show our material resisting water droplets. Regardless of the type of cover- signature material or our standard nutmeg covers, your patio furniture will stay nice and dry. Also, it’s important to remember not to allow water to “pool”. Pooling stretches out covers, and your furniture will not be completely protected.

How do I measure a chaise lounge?

To properly measure your chaise lounge, you need to measure the height, width and depth of your chaise. It’s vital to measure the most extreme dimensions, which is usually the arms of a chaise lounge. “Most extreme” means the widest or longest dimensions- wherever the chaise sticks out the most. See the video for clarification.

How do I measure a table and chair combo?

Again, the most extreme measures. For a combo, push the chairs in and measure from one chair, to across the table, along the other chair. See 0:29 of the video for a specific example.

How do I measure a high backed chair?

It’s really important to measure high backed chairs correctly. You need to account for the height, width, and depth of the chair. It may be more difficult because of the awkward shape, however, the more precise the measurements, the better cover you’ll get!

How do I measure a grill?

Grills are trickier. There are hundreds of grills, all varying in dimension. We currently carry two grill cover sizes, so it’s important to not only get the one that will fit better, but to also use the included straps and buckles.

Remember, if we don’t have your specific question covered, don’t hesitate to call our sales team at 888.872.6855.

The leaves are falling and the temperatures are dropping- it’s almost time to park or store your RV for the winter. Winterizing your RV can be a daunting task, but in the end, extremely worthwhile. Taking the proper steps to winterize your RV can ensure that it will remain in great condition until it’s next use.

We’ve compiled a basic winterization process for various parts of your RV or camper. Remember, certain make and models may vary. Consult with your manufacturer or owner’s guide before beginning the winterization process.

The Water System

Freezing water and liquids will damage your RV’s pipes, drains, etc. Water must be drained before the temperatures drop!

Turn off the water heater, remove water with a drain valve.

Drain the water tank, use a drinkable RV antifreeze to fill the tank. Makes sure the antifreeze is drinkable.

Run the water, flush the toilet, turn on faucets to make sure the antifreeze is moving through the system.

Be sure to double check with your RV manufacturer for specific instructions with how to winterize your water system. Different models may vary.

The Tires

It’s important to keep your RV road ready- even in the winter. Taking care of your RV, specifically the tires, before winter begins will ensure that your RV will be in great shape for the warmer weather.

Make sure the RV is sitting level by inflating tires to maximum capacity.

Rinse tires of any stones or debris using a garden hose. For caked on material, extra soap and elbow grease may be needed.

Let tires air dry.

Cover the tires to prevent any possible build up of snow, dirt or mud during winter months.

The Interior

Even if your RV is closed and locked, pests such as mice, insects and birds may find their way inside. Be sure to go through the necessary steps to completely clean out your RV before winter.

Completely clear out the RV of any kind of food. Remember that mice and other pests will also eat inedible objects such as paper and cardboard.

Clean out appliances including fridge, stove and microwave. After appliances are cleaned, unplug them.

Vacuum and dust the entire interior of the RV. Don’t forget to vacuum behind, under and inside of cabinets, seats, and beds.

Close all windows and air vents.

The Exterior

Remember that long term build up of dirt, road salt, sand and other debris can damage your RV over the winter months. It’s important to completely clean off your RV prior to parking and storing during cooler temperatures.

Rinse your RV front of back using cool water. Be sure to pay extra attention to the windshield, and other areas that will hold more debris.

Use a proper car washing liquid found at automotive retailers to wash your RV. It’s vital to only use cleaning materials specifically made for washing cars. Use a ladder to reach higher areas.

Completely rinse off your RV of any soap. Allow to air dry.

Cover your RV using Empire’s innovative, durable materials. A good RV cover will ensure that your RV will stay clean until the Spring. Be sure to use the included straps to get a tight fit.

Be sure to visit our RV page to shop for the perfect water resistant cover!

50 years ago, no one would have ever thought to get a Child Car Seat inspected. Children’s car seats were equipped with basic seat belts, boosters and padding. Most car seats were put in the passenger seat.

Today, we know better. Child car seat safety has come a long way since riding shotgun in a circa 1950 Ford. Children no longer sit in the front seat. Until a child reaches the age of 12, in fact, they are supposed to sit in the backseat of your car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration strongly enforces child safety seats, and that all parents and guardians get car seats inspected after installation.

It’s actually very easy to understand why. In honor of National Child Passenger Safety Week, Empire went out and bought a car seat to explore the various safety features. What we found was that car seats, while very safe, could also be very complicated.

Here’s what we learned about installing a car seat:

Car seats are organized by age. Infants and toddlers will have different car seats than preschoolers and young children.

Infants and toddlers will have rear facing car seats, while preschoolers and young children will face forward.

Read the instructions included with your car seat, front to back. Call the manufacturer with any questions about safety features or installation. Also, review your vehicle manual to review how to install a car seat in your make and model.

When choosing a car seat, choose by height and weight over age. Some children develop later than others.

Fill out the registration form that comes with your car seat. It’s free to send in, and the manufacturer will have your information in case your car seat gets recalled.

If you’re involved in a serious car crash, replace the car seat. Fender benders and crashes without any injury usually do not apply to this rule. Double check with local certified technicians or your manufacturer to be certain.

Everyone at Empire wants a boat. When it comes to names, we’re stumped. What can you name a boat that hasn’t already been used? Well, one it comes to funny boat names, we’ve got you covered! We compiled a list of hilarious, yet overused boat names and turned it into a neat infographic!

The Minnow. The Titanic. The Mayflower. Iconic boat names throughout history and popular culture. So what’s in a boat name? We compiled the most overused yet hilarious boat names in our recent boat infographic. And yet,during our trip to the Atlantic City In-Water Boat show, we came across a few unusual boat names we hadn’t heard of.

Spotted in Atlantic City- the “No Drama”

A clever play on words- the “Broke-Lynn”. Brooklyn. Get it?

The “Scandalous”

All the boat names got us thinking- what would we name a boat? Although we don’t have any boat owners at the Empire Office, we pooled the staff and asked them to name some of the incredible new 2013 models we saw while at the Atlantic City In-Water Boat Show. When it comes to original boat names, we’ve got you covered- just like with our actual covers! Remember- it’s only bad luck to change the name of already named boats!

With every midlife crisis, every sweet 16, and every visit to a classic car show brings an overwhelming desire for a brand new, classic automobile. What classic cars lack in functionality, they make up for in appearance, value, and status. For most people, the determining factor in purchasing a vintage car is the price tag. Jalopnik reported that a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT recently sold for a whopping $10,976,000 at auction. This vintage 1969 Aston Martin DBS Coupe is listed for 72k on Hemmings.com. The popular beach ready 1947 Plymouth Station Wagon Woodie we talked about in our summer classics post lists for a staggering 140k.

So how does a vintage loving, classic car enthusiast afford a great-looking timeless automobile? With a Triumph- a vintage Triumph Motor Company car, that is.

When it comes to affordability, upkeep and style, Triumphs still “triumphs” in affordability and upkeep. A classic car for the every man. Here are some great, cost-conscious Triumphs we found that could be yours!

This 1978 Triumph Spitfire 1500 is available on Hemmings.com for $4,800. With 47,000 the red orange car has updated black interior with an included tonneau top. The owner states that car needs a new exhaust system and some paint touch ups.

This 1961 restored Triumph TR3A is currently for bid on eBay. At time of post, the car was up to $10,950 USD, a steal for such a sleek, stylish car. The car has 51,880 miles, and has a canary yellow exterior, black interior. This stunning car would definitely need a cover! The seller describes it as “a driver, not a concours restoration”, or in other words, the perfect car for someone looking to use this car on a weekly basis.

This gorgeous 1967 Triumph TR4A Roadsteris listed on Hemmings.com for $14,250 with about 15,000 miles. Although the car has newer parts, it’s possible to make it a complete restoration. The car offers an original interior, with almost all new or upgraded parts, with exception of a broken odometer. This classic Triumph is the best of both worlds- a great road car with room to become a classic restoration.

This incredible 1972 Triumph Stag is listed on Classic Car Ads for $10,500. With only 41,000 miles, this hazelnut colored classic car is the perfect weekend car. It runs well and is in good condition. The seller does state that the car needs new carpet, but that’s a sacrifice we’d be willing to make.

Would you want to buy a Triumph? Which of our Triumph finds is your favorite?

We all remember the infamous Ferrari scene in the 1986 hit Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. After being encouraged by the popular and insatiable Ferris Bueller, (Matthew Broderick), the non-confrontational, awkward Cameron Frye (Alan Ruck) accidently drives his father’s classic 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Spyder through a two story window. For classic car owners, it was a gut-wrenching moment, the visualization of their greatest fear. A beloved prized possession, a result of hard working, passion and diligence, completely destroyed in a few short minutes.

The 16th annual, three day long Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance at Radnor Hunt was all about celebrating exceptional vehicles such as the 1961 Ferrari. Starting on Friday, Sept. 7th with a Barbeque at Radnor Hunt, the event spanned over three days with the Chester County Road Rally, Black Tie Gala, Silent Auction and Art Show Preview on Saturday, and The 100 Motor Cars of Radnor Hunt on Sunday. At The 100 Motor Cars of Radnor Hunt event on Sunday, Sept. 9th, visitors got a glimpse of a Gatsby-esque era of pristine vehicles, a time of style and class. Attendees marveled over the rows of invaluable, spectacular Ferraris, Cadillacs, vintage coaches and carriages.

The event was reminiscent of a time where a drive in a car was an occasion, not an everyday occurrence. Many attendees snapped photos of the elegant vehicles while enjoying cold glasses of lemonade. Frank Sinatra wafted over strategically placed speakers, audible from any area of Radnor Hunt. The scenic Radnor Hunt, home of one of the oldest fox hunts in the country, provided a stunning backdrop for the event. Cars were posed as if they were models in painting- flawless, immaculate vehicles overlooking the rolling, green pastures of Radnor, PA.

It’s hard to explain the passion and excitement over seemingly “old” cars to anyone who doesn’t share the enthusiasm for them. The picture perfect antique vehicles, although functional, are rarely driven to preserve their value. Why own a car that will just stay covered up in a garage? The classic cars on display were more than just automobiles- they’re collectors items, immaculate works of art. For a car enthusiast, a classic Cadillac can cause the same awe-struck, inspired feeling as a rare painting or sculpture. Classic vehicles are an echo, a memory of when automobiles were all about sophistication and status.

Motorcycles come in many shapes and sizes, making custom motorcycle covers unreasonable. EmpireCovers offers semi-custom motorcycle covers that fit almost any motorcycle’s make and model.

EmpireCovers makes choosing the right motorcycle cover easy with our size selector. Simply enter the make, year and model of your bike and we’ll tell you which size is the best fit. If you don’t see your bike listed, or don’t know the make, year or model, you can shop by size. EmpireCovers motorcycle covers come in three sizes:

Medium Motorcycle Cover fits bikes up to 1000cc and 86” in length. This size fits most popular models, such as the Harley Sportster, Honda Nighthawk, Kawasaki Ninja and BMW Lightening. The size of this cover measures 86” L x 44” W x 44” H.

Large Motorcycle Cover fits bikes up to 1000cc and 96” in length. This size fits most popular models similar to the models listed above. The size of this cover measures 96” L x 44” W x 44” H.

Extra Large Motorcycle Cover fits most motorcycles in full dress. This size fits models, such as the Yamaha Royal Star Touring and Harley Night Rod. The size of this cover measures 114” L x 44” W x 44” H.

After choosing the correct bike cover size, you will need to choose which cover offers the best protection for your needs. EmpireCovers currently offers six distinctive motorcycle covers. Consider the climate where you live and where you will store your bike when choosing the cover that best fits your needs.

If you have any questions about which cover size is the best fit for your bike, please call our customer service team at 888-872-6855 or live chat.

Please note: EmpireCovers does not fit all touring bikes. Also, making modifications to your bike may alter the size recommended by our selector.

The automotive industry is an exciting business. Throw in cars that go 180 mph and things get a little more thrilling!

EmpireCovers celebrated Labor Day weekend at the Grand Prix of Baltimore. There was plenty to do for all ages at the Grand Prix. The Family Fun Zone was filled with bumper cars, bounce houses and more. The IZOD IndyCar and Firestone Indy Lights garage allowed fans to see mechanics working on the cars and drivers maneuvering around on scooters.

The most excitement seemed to take place behind the scenes. When I was exiting the garage, I saw Justin Wilson zoom by on a scooter. Soon, more racers drove by and the IndyCars lined up on the street. I was able to smell the burning rubber from the cars that had just practiced on the track.

As I got lost navigating around the Grand Prix, I stumble upon The IndyCar Fan Village. It ended up being one of my favorite parts of the event. The village was an interactive playground for all race-goers. IZOD IndyCar drivers were signing autographs and Tony Kanann snapped a photo with me. Porches, Chevys and cars from all over the world were on display. As I made my way through the maze of exotic cars, I spotted the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge cars preparing to race.

Exploring the Grand Prix of Baltimore was an adrenaline-charged experience. There really was something for everyone. One minute these cars were in pieces on a lift then racing down the track. If you don’t have a pit crew to take care of your vehicle, let EmpireCovers Protect Your Assets.

This past weekend, Empire got the opportunity to attend 99.9 The Hawk’s Bike Night in Easton, PA. A local event with a lot of motorcycles, prizes and fun. Local motorcycle owners and their bikes are welcome to attend ‘Bike Night’ to compete for prizes, including a trip to Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, and of course, one of our motorcycle covers. But this night is more than meets the eye. Since 2005, 99.9 The Hawk has raised over $15,000 to benefit the Ronald McDonald Camp, an annual event by the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House.

The Ronald McDonald House is a well known, national non-profit organization that provides shelter and financial assistance to the families of sick children. In Philadelphia, those shelters are located near University City, on Chestnut Street, and besides St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, on Front & Erie. The expansive homes offer amenities such as private guest rooms, home cooked meals, laundry facilities, and even a video game room. In close vicinity of area hospitals, both locations offer limitless convenience and comfort for their guests.

So what’s the Ronald McDonald Camp? For children that have, or are currently undergoing treatment for cancer, it’s an escape. For one week, the kids have an incredible camp experience at Camp Timber Tops in Greeley, PA that includes traditional and therapeutic camp activities. The children of the Ronald McDonald Camp are united, enabling them to share their similar experiences with cancer. The camp allows children with the opportunity to be themselves beyond just their illness. Bike Nights unite the community to help achieve this goal.

The Ronald McDonald House and the Ronald McDonald Camp aim to improve the lives of sick children and their families. The mission is simple- provide support to families during medical crisises. The charities strive to ensure that no family will face concerns about shelter, finances, or food while trying to support their sick child. As their largest donor, McDonald’s partners their franchises with local organizations to advance fund-raising efforts. Events such as 99.9 The Hawk’s Bike Night allows Ronald McDonald House to continue their noble mission.